Under the Radar: Week 2

Although this weekend might be the worst round of games all season long, there are still some intriguing match-ups. Texas, Texas A&M and Texas Tech all will travel to play mid-majors on the road. Who says the big boys won’t visit the little guy?

Southern Miss @ Auburn, 12:30 pm (Raycom)

The Golden Eagles routed the Rajin Cajun’s of ULL last week. The offense was firing on all cylinders as stud tailback Damion Fletcher rushed for 222 yards and two scores. Promising freshman DeAndre Brown also had a solid college debut (92 yds, TD). But the play of redshirt freshman and first year starter Austin Davis at quarterback was the key. If the Eagles can limit the turnovers and play mistake free football, they may actually have a chance.

Auburn on the other hand — despite a 34-0 blowout of Louisiana-Monroe — did not play well on offense last week. The front seven on defense is as good as any in the nation and will pose a tough test for the high flying USM offense. Quarterback will be the position to watch for the Tigers.

Golden Eagle to Watch: DeAndre Brown, WR
Tiger to Watch: Chris Todd, QB
Line: Auburn (-17.5)

BYU @ Washington, 3:00 pm (FSN)

Max Hall put on a show as he threw for 488 yards last week. The Huskies can expect more from the high-powered BYU attack. Tight end Dennis Pitta caught eleven passes and an NCAA leading 213 yards. Running back Harvey Unga ran the ball 18 times for 64 yards and two scores while catching six passes for 47 yards and a third touchdown. Needless to say, BYU has options.

Washington and Jack Locker did not look good at all in a 41-10 thumping at the hands of rival Oregon. However, Locker is still developing and at some point the light will click on and he will be a superstar. His talents are obvious. However, it will take time for the very talented and very young surrounding cast (Chris Polk, Jermaine Kearse, Kavario Middleton) to gain enough experience to pull an upset like this. 

Cougar to Watch: Dennis Pitta, TE
Husky to Watch: Kavario Middleton, TE
Line: BYU (-9.5)

Oregon State @ Penn State, 3:30 pm (ABC)

The Beavers looked solid on offense and not so solid on defense last week. The Stanford Cardinal surprisingly imposed their will on the ground and got the win. The Mike Riley team is well coached and will push the tempo and use creativity and trickeration to attempt the upset in Happy Valley. Defensively, however, they will be challenged immensely.

Penn State on the other hand put 66 points on the board. They scored seven rushing touchdowns and complied 334 yards on the ground last week. Quarterback Daryl Clark was incredibly efficient (11 of 14) and should lead the ground attack once again this week. The Lions are, however, dealing with more off the field issues and several key members of the defense will not be suiting up this weekend including star defensive end Maurice Evans.

Beaver to Watch: Jacquizz Rodgers, RB
Nittany Lion to Watch: Stephfon Green, RB
Line: Penn State (-15)

Texas Tech @ Nevada, 9:05 pm

This might be the most interesting match-up of offensive schemes this weekend. These two teams combined for over 1,200 yards of total offense last week and the firepower should be on display once again. The Red Raider’s “Air Raid” attack should put up huge numbers once again as the talent disparity is clearly in the favor of Texas Tech. Graham Harrell’s chase for 6,000 began with a bang as he threw for 536 yards last week.

This game will go one of two ways. If Nevada and its “Pistol” offense keeps it close and maintains the ability to run the ball with quarterback Colin Kaepernick and stud tailback Luke Lippencott then it has a chance. However, if the Wolf Pack are forced into a pass-happy attack then the Red Raiders should be considered heavy favorites. Kaepernick has yet to develop as a passer but his ability on the ground is unquestioned.

Red Raider to Watch: Detron Lewis, WR
Wolfpack player to Watch: Colin Kaepernick, QB
Line: Texas Tech (-10)

Other games to catch:

Texas A&M @ New Mexico, 5:00 pm

Can TAMU bounce back?

Houston @ Oklahoma State, 7:05 pm

Watch out for Houston quarterback Case Keenum — 390 yards and five scores last week.

Louisiana Tech @ Kansas, 7:00 pm (FSN)

Another upset is doubtful. Rock Chalk all the way.

South Florida @ UCF, 7:00 pm (ESPN2)

This a much better rivalry than it gets credit for.

UNLV @ Utah, 8:00 pm (Mountain West Network)

Major ‘Let Down’ alert!

Texas @ UTEP, 10:15 pm (ESPN2)

Colt McCoy had a huge first weekend — and will repeat it in El Paso.

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